Korg KLC1 Legacy Collection with MS20 Controller

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This virtual instrument/effects pack includes soft synth versions of Korg's popular MS-20 and Polysix analog synthesizers, the Wavestation advanced vector synthesizer, a slew of high-quality effects, and a fully-functional, special-edition MS-20iC USB-MIDI controller. It also introduces a unique "cell" concept, which combines synths & effects for powerful new sounds. Korg's new Component Modeling Technology allows perfect reproduction of the complex sound and all the power and subtlety that up until now only true analog synthesis could provide. The MS-20iC is a 3/4-scale reproduction of the MS-20 with a velocity sensitive keyboard and cool signal-patching capability. Legacy Collection synths can be used on Mac OSX/Win XP in stand-alone form or as VST/Audio Units plug-in instruments within a compatible host application.

Virtual Instruments/Effects Plug-ins/MS-20 Controller

Software versions of Korg's classic and ever-popular MS-20, Polysix, and WAVESTATION, plus a dedicated controller for the MS-20 software.

The MS-20 and Polysix use Korg's proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology) to precisely model the electronic circuitry of the original analog instruments, capturing the exact sound and parameter response of the originals.

In addition to replicating the original sounds, the MS-20 and Polysix software synthesizers also provide a wide range of new functionality for contemporary sound creation, such as 32-voice polyphony (max), up to 16-voice unison settings, and freely read more assignable external modulation settings.

Create completely new sounds using Legacy Cell, a combination structure that lets you freely combine the MS-20 and Polysix software synthesizers together with insert/master effects and use them as a single instrument.

The WAVESTATION software synthesizer encompasses all the waveforms, effects, and sound programs of the WAVESTATION series, delivering perfect simulation of the original sound, along with compatibility with user/third-party files (in .SYX format). It features a new graphical user interface that provides a revolutionary leap in ease of operation.

Also included is a special edition MS-20 USB-MIDI controller dedicated for use with the MS-20 software. The controller provides all the knobs, controls and patch points of the original unit at 84% of the original size, as well as providing a velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard.

Plug-in effects are also provided - the MS-20FX lets you run audio through the MS-20's audio input and filters, and the MDE-X plug-in lets you use any of the Legacy Cell's nineteen different effects.

Newly-developed CMT Technology Completely Reproduces the Circuitry of the Original Synthesizer
The MS-20 and Polysix software synthesizers use Korg's newly developed CMT (Component Modeling Technology). In contrast to existing approaches that simply simulate the output sound, CMT digitally models the transistors, condensers, resistors, and other parts used in the original hardware, and replicates the same circuitry as the original. The complex sound and parameter response can be perfectly reproduced, delivering all the power and subtlety that up until now only true analog synthesis could provide.

MS-20 Software Synthesizer
Since the MS-20 went on sale in 1978, this semi-modular monophonic synthesizer has enjoyed unbroken popularity for its thick and solid sound, aggressive analog filters, and inexhaustible potential for creative patching.

With two oscillators (which can be ring-modulated), high-pass/low-pass self-oscillating filters with unique distortion, and a patch section with an external signal processor that can accommodate external audio input, the MS-20 software synthesizer provides a complete simulation of its legendary original. In addition, it gives you modern advantages such as up to 32 voices of polyphony and up to 16-voice unison (with detune/spread function). Flexible external modulation settings and MIDI clock synchronization have also been added, giving you even greater creative potential.

Along with the provided Programs, a number of templates are included providing instant setups for running audio through the filter and other commonly-used functions.

MS-20 Controller Included

Also included is a USB-MIDI controller that reproduces the original MS-20 at 84% size, with the addition of a velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard. From the shape of the knobs, the way in which the LEDs blink, the panel silk-screening, right down to the color of the included patch cords, the MS-20 Controller perfectly replicates the original MS-20. Simply connect it to your computer via USB, then turn the knobs and use the patching facilities for complete realtime control of the MS-20 software.

Polysix Software Synthesizer
The Polysix programmable six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer was introduced in 1981. With a surprisingly full-sounding voice structure, chorus/phase/ensemble effects and performance functions such as chord memory, arpeggiator, and unison the Polysix became a world-wide hit. Its distinctive string and pad sounds are often heard to this day.

In addition to faithfully replicating the sound of the original, the Polysix software synthesizer also adds enhancements such as 32-voice polyphony (max), up to 16-voice unison (with detune/spread function), flexible external modulation settings, MIDI clock synchronization, and a spread function that adjusts the spaciousness of the effects - functionality that brings this classic synthesizer up to date for modern music production.

The interface provides reorganized knobs and switches that resurrect the Polysix in a contemporary "rack-mountable" form for even more intuitive operation and sound-creating versatility.

Legacy Cell - Sse the MS-20, Polysix, and Effects
As a Single Software Synthesizer Legacy Cell is a completely new idea not available on any previous software synthesizer. It's a revolutionary "combination structure" that lets you use one of five different combinations of synthesizers (MS-20 + Polysix, 2 x MS-20, 2 x Polysix, 1 x MS-20, or 1 x Polysix) plus two insert effects and two master effects --- all as a single software synthesizer that delivers powerful new sounds and textures!

You can freely specify key and velocity layers/splits and velocity curves to switch between the combination of synthesizers. For the insert and master effects, you can choose from 19 different effect algorithms that Korg has developed and refined through its many years of technology. There's also a controller section where you can assign any synthesizer or effect parameter, giving you virtually infinite possibilities for music production and performance.

Legacy Cell provides 256 different performance programs including controller assignments. The programs include spacious pads that shift over time thanks to the advanced modulations possibilities, fat sounds that take advantage of the new Unison parameter, and phrase-type programs that combine the MS-20 and Polysix software synthesizers to play a kick, bass, and pad from a single key. Korg's highly respected sound designers have created programs that match classic Korg sounds to today's music scene.

Legacy Cell has built-in native support for the separately sold microKONTROL MIDI Studio Controller; simply connect the microKONTROL via USB and you can completely control every aspect of the software using the many sliders, encoders and pads and more.

WAVESTATION Software Synthesizer
The WAVESTATION synthesizer appeared in 1990 with its new "advanced vector synthesis system" which combined and shifted between multiple complex waveforms. It received numerous awards from around the world, including U.S. Keyboard magazine's "Hardware Innovation of the Year." The user could operate a joystick to "mix" or "morph" between four oscillators selected from the large onboard collection of waveforms, or create a wave sequence by placing waveforms in a specific order to create rhythmic or melodic sequence patterns, opening up a revolutionary new world of sound to which there is still nothing comparable.

The WAVESTATION software synthesizer provides all 484 waveforms and 55 effects found on the WAVESTATION series (including the WAVESTATION-SR!), with 32 digital oscillators, 32 digital filters, 64 envelope generators, and 64 LFOs that allow letter-perfect replication of the three-dimensional WAVESTATION sound, famed for its time-varying timbral change.

In its new software incarnation, the original editing structure has been preserved, while giving you a redesigned graphical user interface that takes advantage of the intuitive operation possible with software.

All of the WAVESTATION's factory preset programs, 550 performances, and 385 patches are included. You can also import any WAVESTATION series data that has been stored in .SYX format.

Effects and More!
The MS-20FX lets you use the MS-20 software synthesizer as an effect processor, running audio into the filter and modulation capabilities of this classic synth. You can use this unique effect to apply powerful filtering to drums, vocal, or any audio source. In addition, MDE-X makes the versatile selection of 19 different effects provided by Legacy Cell (compressor, limiter, overdrive, equalizer, talking modulator, flanger, phaser, chorus, delay, reverb, etc.) available as effects plug-ins for your production needs.

Macintosh/Windows Support for Stand-alone and Plug-in Operation
All of these software synthesizers can be used on Macintosh/Windows in stand-alone form, and also as VST/Audio Units plug-in instruments within a compatible host application. The effects can be used as VST/Audio Units effects plug-ins within any compatible host program.

All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance.
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Installed Software

Stand Alone:
- MS-20
- Polysix
- Legacy Cell
- WAVESTATION

Plug-in Instrument:
- MS-20 (Audio signal cannot be input)
- Polysix
- Legacy Cell
- WAVESTATION

Plug-in Effect:
- MS-20FX (Audio signal can be input)
- MDE-X

Specifications

MS-20 Software Synthesizer
Maximum Polyphony: 32 notes (depending on the CPU of host computer)
Number of Parts: 1
Unison: User-specifiable number of voices (1-16), Detune, Spread
External Modulation: Source (Velocity/KBD Track/Pressure/Pitch Bend/Modulation/Breath/CC#16/CC#17)
- External Modulation 1 (VCO 1 PULSE WIDTH, VCO 2 PITCH, HPF CUTOFF, LPF CUTOFF, AMP)
- External Modulation 2 (FM MG/T.EXT, HPF CUTOFF, HPF MG/T.EXT, LPF CUTOFF, LPF MG/T.EXT)
Templates: 32 sound templates included
Tuning: Micro tuning
Functionality: Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument

Polysix Software Synthesizer
Maximum Polyphony: 32 notes (depending on the CPU of host computer)
Number of parts: 1
Unison: User-specifiable number of voices (1-16), Detune, Spread
External modulation: Source (Velocity/KBD Track/Pressure/Pitch Bend/Modulation/Breath/CC#16/CC#17)
- External Modulation 1 (VCO PULSE WIDTH, VCF FREQUENCY, VCA GAIN, MG LEVEL)
- External Modulation 2 (VCO PULSE WIDTH, VCF FREQUENCY, VCA GAIN, MG LEVEL)
Tempo: MG Sync, Arpeggiator Sync
Templates: 32 sound templates included
Tuning: Micro tuning
Functionality: Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument

Legacy Cell Software Synthesizer
Performance: Synth 1 / 2, Combination Parameter, Insert effect x 2, Master effect x 2, Mixer, MIDI Controller, MIDI keyboard
Synth: MS-20, Polysix
Combination parameter: Key/ Velocity zone, Velocity Curve, Key Transpose, MIDI Filter (Control Change, Channel Pressure) on Synth 1 / 2
Insert/Master Effect Type: 19 types - DynaCompressor, Compressor, Multi Band Limiter, Mastering Limiter, OverDrive/Hi.Gain+Wah, 4 Band EQ, Exciter/Enhancer, Talking Modulator, Decimator, Flanger, Phaser, Polysix Ensemble, MultiTap Chorus/Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, LCR BPM Delay, Reverb Hall, Reverb Smooth Hall, Reverb Wet Plate, Reverb Dry Plate
Mixer: Synth output x 2, Master Effect output x 2, Master output
MIDI Controller: Encoder x 8, Fader x 8, Parameter/Value Indication x 16, CC#/ Parameter assign learn function
MIDI Keyboard: 88 key, Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel equipped
Sounds: 256 performance sounds included
Functionality: Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument

WAVESTATION Software Synthesizer
Maximum Polyphony: 32 notes (depending on the CPU of host computer)
Number of parts: 1
PCM Source: 484 PCM waveforms
Effects: 55 effect types
Sounds: 550 performances, 385 patches (ROM8 Banks + RAM3 Banks) sound included
SYSEX: Performance/Patch/Wave Sequence Data can be imported (in .SYX file)
Functionality: Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument

MS-20FX
Same as MS-20 software synthesizer specifications
Number of audio channels: 2-channel input (mono mix after input), two-channel output
Support: VST/AU plug-in effects are supported

MDE-X
Effect types: 19 types (same as effect types of Legacy Cell)
Modulation: Dynamic modulation is supported
Number of Audio Channels: 2-channel input, two-channel output (for mono-input effects, one channel is passed through to the output)
Effect Programs: 128 effect programs included
Support: VST/AU plug-in effects are supported

Commonality

Realtime MIDI Control and Automation

Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz - 192 kHz

G4 Velocity Engine optimized (Mac), Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 optimized (Windows)

MS-20 Controller Specifications

Controller: 37 velocity mini keyboard, Rotary VR x 32 (with switch x 1), Rotary switch x 4, Patch jack x 35 (3.5mm (1/8") mono mini jack), Control wheel x 1, Momentary switch x 1

Connector: USB connector

Power Supply: USB bus powered

Power Consumption: Typically .60mA (MAX.120mA)

Dimensions (W x D x H): 18.82 x 9.02 x 7.87 in. (478 x 229 x 200 mm)

Weight: 8.6 lbs./3.9kg

System Requirements

Macintosh Computer: CD-ROM drive and 150MB disk space for installing the software, and USB port for use with MS-20 Controller will be needed.

CPU: Apple G4/800MHz or faster, G4/1.25GHz or faster recommended (Some preset combination programs in Legacy Cell structure require G4/1.25GHz or faster)

Memory: 256 MB or larger, 512 MB or larger recommended

Display: 1,024 x 768 - 32,000 colors or higher

Operating System: Mac OS X 10.2.6 or later

Audio Interface with a low latency will be needed to play software synthesizers in real time.

Stand-alone: Core Audio compatible audio interface (Macintosh's on-board sound output port can be used)

Plug-in: Depends on system requirements of host application program. Audio Units or VST compatible (for Macintosh) host application program will be needed to use as plug-in.

Windows Computer: CD-ROM drive and 150MB disk space for installing the software, and USB port for use with MS-20 Controller will be needed.

CPU: Intel Pentium 4/1.5GHz, Pentium M (Centrino)/1.3GHz, Celeron/1.8GHz, AMD Athlon XP/2000+ or faster

Memory: 256 MB or larger, 512 MB or larger recommended

Display: 1024 x 768 - 16 bit colors or higher

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition/Professional SP1

Audio Interface: Audio interface with a low latency will be needed to play software synthesizers in real time.

Stand-alone: ASIO, DirectSound or MME compatible audio interface

Plug-in: Depends on system requirements of host application program. Audio Units or VST compatible (for Windows) host application program will be needed to use as plug-in.

Options:
microKONTROL MIDI STUDIO CONTROLLER

NOTE:
An Internet connection will be required to complete the authorization process.

*Apple, the Apple logo and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

*The "Built for Mac OS X" graphic and the Optimized for G4 with Velocity Engine graphic are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., used under license.

*The Audio Units logo and the Audio Units symbol are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

*Windows XP is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

*VST and ASIO are trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

*All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Specifications subject to change without notice

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (49 ratings)
Submitted June 9, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Very Cool Product"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I will use this product as long as I have a compatible computer that will run it. It adds to my already wide pallate of synth sounds, especially the vintage sounds. The fact it can be ran as stand alone or VST plugin really helps me with my versatile musical needs.

Sound
The sound is all Korg! I've used the Wavestation EX at home and when I pluged this in through the same speakers it was true to the real thing with one nice surprise, it was brighter. The reason is because the original hardware version doesn't put out any frequencies above 16,000hz. The resolution on the software version is adjustable making the sound much better. Of course the higher the resolution the more taxing it is on your computer.

Features
The original MS-20 was monphonic. The ability to use this synth with polyphony, detune, analog, stereo, etc... makes it a genuine synth by todays standards. Being able to merge the MS-20 and the Polysix together by using the Legacy Cell engine creates a monster synth. The Legacy Cell is augmented by Korg's powerful VST fx. These fx are so good I use them inside my recording program. The MS-20 midi controller is a cool toy but that is all it really is. I only use it when I am programming patches for the MS-20; it makes it rather convenient to turn actual knobs and plug patch cords rather than clicking and draging the mouse. It would have been nice if they would have designed it with a midi interface; it read more is USB only.

Ease of Use
I'm docking it a point simply because there is a slight learning curve. There are three great synths to learn in this package. Each has it's own characteristics and each has a different look and feel. Each synth is set up with a good number of patches to just click and go so you can try it out but the MS-20 only comes with 32 initial patches. After that, you are on your own. That's ok, because it is the most fun to mess with. This package helps the newbee to synthesizers begin to understand how synths really work. It is almost like taking a trip back in time and getting a feel of what it must have been like when the first synths hit the market.

Quality
The CMT (Component Modeling Technology) really paid off with this product. These synths sound and act like the real thing. I couldn't be happier with the sound. But I am in love the the phat Korg sound anyway.

Value
At it's introductory price of $499 it was a little overpriced, but now that it can be obtained for $299 it is a very good deal. I got mine free as an incentive when I purchased my beautiful Korg Triton Extreme.

Manufacturer Support
They aim to please. Sometimes it takes a bit to get an answer to email but they do answer their phone.

The Wow Factor
It is a must have for Korg enthusiasts. A nice blend of vintage and modern sounds.

Musical Background:
Hobbyist, Active Musician, Home studio

Musical Style:
All kinds
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